Monday, January 28, 2008

Thanks to those who attended. There was a big turnout of cyclists as we departed Chiang Mai Thai at about 11pm Saturday off to the not so distant Bryant Lake Bowl before heading to Pi, stopping at 38th St. and the west river road to pay our respects to Rachel and take a look at the new ghost bike - with thanks to BRose and Rollin - then arriving at the bonfire site on the Mississippi river. Four of us spent most of the afternoon collecting wood for the fire, which kept us warm until our departure at about 6am to a local breakfast joint.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Come one, come all. We're ending up on the river for a fire, but there are lots of stops in between. Bring clothes to stay warm, bring a beverage to quench your thirst. Night riding and the river, two of Rachel's favorite activities.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Several people have asked if there is a memorial or charity available in Rachel's name. There was a collection at her memorial and you can still make donations at Chiang Mai Thai - just ask when you show up.

Monday, January 14, 2008

There will be a memorial service for Rachel on Thursday at the Soo Visual Arts Center at 2640 Lyndale from 3-5pm with an after gathering TBA. Until then, I'm finding comfort in being close to those who also knew her.

[edit] - I should say that the cause of Rachel's death was hypothermia after accidentally falling through the ice along the Mississippi river. There was no evidence of foul play. While it hurts to know she is gone, it hurts slightly less knowing it was an accident and the tragedy was not compounded by other factors.

There's been a sudden rash of criminal hatred towards cyclists from motor vehicles around these parts in the past two weeks or so. I had three incidents last night, with two of them coming from a single car - yep, they turned back and came around for more after no response from me the first time - no response other me than memorizing their license plate #. Add to that the physical assault I experienced on New Year's day, as well as the black car purposefully trying to run-down cyclists the other night and you've got a true war zone on the streets of Minneapolis - a one way war, that is - a war against those who do not conform to the ideology of drive-fuel-drive.

My registration for the 2008 Almonzo-100 is in the hands of the US-of-A's finest postal workers. There's a liquor prize for whomever shoots off the first registration packet - if it's mine, it will be distributed to my fellow riders on a first come-first served manner. Now to decide what to ride? I ticked off 'single,' but could go fixed if the feeling takes me.